Priest Rapids Recreation Area

Some of the improvements planned for the Priest Rapids Recreation Area include upgrading the Desert Aire boat launch, developing a new, day use park in the North Desert Aire/Cox’s Landing area and creating a 3.1-mile trail that connects the day use park to the southern portion of Desert Aire.

Grant PUD filed a license amendment on February 26, 2010 with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to relocate the new, day use park and swim area from North Desert Aire/Cox’s Landing to the existing Desert Aire boat launch area. If approved, the existing beach at the boat launch day use area will be expanded to accommodate additional picnic and swimming areas. A small parking area, which will extend from Road U to serve the trailhead and associated interpretative signage, will remain as planned at North Desert Aire/Cox’s Landing.

Grant PUD has completed upland and in-water geotechnical borings at the boat launch area. Environmental studies needed to finalize engineering drawings and permit applications have also been completed. Development applications for shoreline work will be submitted to permitting agencies in July-August 2010. Upland portions of the proposed Priest Rapids Recreation Area (trail, day use areas, etc.) are scheduled to be completed by September 2013.  The boating facility portions are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2014.